It took several attempts before the first FC Zugersee training camp came together. But when Pascal 'El Presidente' Lötscher plans something, he plans it properly. The result: four days on Spain's Costa Blanca — demanding on the pitch, surprising at the table, good for the team and absolutely sun-cream territory.
The group set off from Zug for Zurich Airport early in the morning. On arrival in Spain, sunshine and high spirits were joined by the first training session of the trip: finding the coach driver. At the hotel, the first session on Spanish soil began straight away — Team Blue vs Team White. Given the conditions, that opening session turned into something of a fitness workout despite a few footballing highlights. The Spanish, Austrian and Turkish youth national teams staying at the same hotel proved considerably more heat-resistant. After dinner together came an 'active cool-down' in the bars of Albir — recovery, FC Zugersee style.
Friday started with a long breakfast at 08:30 — at least for everyone ready to face solid food again. After a restorative siesta came a visit to the bullring in Alicante. Some members suspected the city walk that followed of being a more or less voluntary fitness session. The best paella in the world made up for every metre covered.
Saturday morning, 25 degrees, and everyone still looking sharp. Team Blue may have quarrelled with a few refereeing decisions, but the standard on the pitch suffered less than the previous evening had suggested. After lunch came an e-bike tour. Some found their way back to the hotel thanks to Google Maps, others by pure chance. Along the way everyone took in an improvised wine tasting — another highlight for all involved. The footballing focus turned to video analysis: watching El Clásico in the Copa del Rey on the big screen.
Sunday brought the grand finale. After lunch the team headed to the Estadio José Rico Pérez to see Hércules play Alcorcón. The atmosphere was excellent, the match solid, the stadium beer surprisingly alcohol-free. The camp came to a stylish close with one more culinary highlight and a thank-you to the two organisers.
The verdict: sun, sweat, football — and a team that came back from Spain not only fitter, but noticeably more tanned. ¡Hasta la próxima, España!